Waterloo to Negotiate with Metrolinx for LRT Purchase

The Region of Waterloo has decided to avoid going to a public tender to purchase its new fleet of 14 Light Rail Vehicles for the new $818 million Waterloo LRT. Instead, it will negotiate with Mextrolinx for inclusion on that organisation’s existing contract with Bombardier for 182 vehicles.

The Region had budgeted $100 million for the purchase of the vehicles. However, through this system the cost estimate has been reduced to approximately $56 million or $4 million per vehicle. By purchasing the same vehicle model as Metrolinx, the potential exists for the Region of Waterloo to save substantially on spare parts and vehicles by having access to Metrolinx maintenance facilities and parts inventory.